Plano Sexual Assault Against a Child Defense Attorney

Lawyer in Collin County for Clients Charged With Statutory Rape

Crimes that are committed against children are some of the most serious and horrific in all of criminal law. Sex crimes involving children are even more grievous. The nature of such crimes, however, tends to create a presumption of guilt whenever a person is charged with a sex-related offense against a child. As a result, a defendant may see his or her life all but destroyed, even if the allegations are false or unfounded.

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., our team believes that every criminal defendant is innocent until proven guilty, even when the charges in question are related to a sex crime involving a child. If you or a member of your family has been charged with the sexual assault of a child, we have the knowledge and experience to help you mount an aggressive defense. Attorney Darlina Crowder has secured more than 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals throughout her career, and she is ready to put her proven approach to work for you.

Sexual Assault of a Victim Under Age 17

The Texas Penal Code contains a number of sex-based offenses that can be committed against children, including indecency with a child, child sex abuse, improper relationship between educator and student, sexual exploitation of a child, and child pornography. The law also defines the offense of sexual assault and how the offense can be committed against a child.

Under Texas law, sexual assault is typically defined as sexual penetration or contact (including vaginal, anal, and oral penetration or contact) without the victim's consent. If the victim is under the age of 17, however, the victim is considered a child, regardless of whether the perpetrator knows the victim's age. Often known as statutory rape in other jurisdictions, sexual assault of a child charges do not depend on a lack of consent by the victim.

Sexual assault of a child is generally prosecuted as a second-degree felony. Penalties for a conviction could include up to 20 years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, and registration as a sex offender. The charge may be elevated to a first-degree felony if the perpetrator and the victim would be prohibited by law from marrying one another. A conviction on first-degree felony charges could lead to life in prison.

Dallas County Defense Attorney Protecting Your Rights

It is important to realize that Texas law does provide for certain situations in which sexual contact with a person under age 17 is not a crime. If the alleged victim is at least 14, the alleged perpetrator is no more than three years older than the alleged victim, and the two would not be prohibited by law from getting married, a sexual relationship between the two is not considered to be sexual assault of a child.

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we know how serious sex crime charges are, and we are equipped to help you protect your rights and your future. We will fully investigate the charges against you and the circumstances of your arrest to find any and all information that could be used in building your defense. Our team will also work hard to ensure that you are treated with the respect and dignity you deserve throughout the process. No matter how overwhelmed you might be feeling, you can rely on us to help you obtain the best possible outcome for your case.

Call 214-544-0061 Today

For more information about defending against charges of sexual assault of a child in North Texas, contact our office. Call 214-544-0061 for a free consultation and case review today. Our firm serves clients in Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth, Garland, McKinney, Denton, Frisco, Collin County, Dallas County, Tarrant County, Grayson County, and the surrounding areas. Se habla Espanol.